An enthusiastic group of youths are bringing the By the Gate movement to Ashburton College. PHOTO SUPPLIEDA group of Ashburton College students are on a mission to bring positive change to their school – by the power of prayer.

Around 10 Emerge Youth members from Ashburton’s New Life Church have been meeting outside their school gate every Wednesday for the past year and spending half an hour praying before the bell rings.

The group pray for their church, their school and whatever else is on their heart that day, Ashburton College’s Rosie Smith said.

Yesterday, it was focus in the classroom and peace among their peers.

The movement, By the Gate, occurs at schools right across the country.

Smith said students can take a photo of their prayer group, share it on social media with the hashtag #bythegate, and connect with other participants.

More than 1500 posts have been shared on Instagram so far.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 21 June 2018